“Critical incidents in youth detention have seen some juvenile offenders become physically aggressive with members of staff sustaining injuries from juvenile offenders who have hit, punched, kicked, spat at or bitten them.”

The Bill intends to legislatively empower the Superintendent to authorise staff to use approved restraints to restrict the juvenile offenders’ arms, legs and body, “when necessary to engage the offender or assist the offender in safely de-escalating the behaviour”. It will also assist in reducing the risk of escape from youth detention centres.

“This is about clarifying the processes, procedures and instruments used to ensure a safer working environment and provide options to prevent individuals from harming themselves and others,” says Mr Elferink

“The legislation is intended to clear up any ambiguity with a view to protecting staff in their workplace.”

Following passage of the legislation staff will receive further training in the safe application, removal and supervision of approved restraint devices. The Department of Correctional Services will also establish an advisory group to oversee restraint practices in youth detention.

Increased manhandling of young people, improved restraining techniques? Don’t look at the cause of all this, look at more perverted ways of making them further recalcitrant than they are. Another death in custody in the making right here. Another case of not listening.